Foreigner to rock Indianapolis 500's Snakepit Ball in May

Jan. 23, 2013

Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones is no stranger to Indianapolis. He played halftime of the 2010 AFC Championship Game in Lucas Oil Stadium when the Indianapolis Colts played the New York Jets. / IndyStar file photo

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This year's Snakepit Ball crowd will be rocking to the music of British-American hit machine Foreigner.

The band, which has spanned five decades and sold more than 70 million albums in the United States, dominated music charts with rockers including "Hot Blooded," "Juke Box Hero," "Head Games," "Cold As Ice," "Feels Like the First Time," and the ballad, "I Want to Know What Love Is." Foreigner was also ranked 49 on Billboard's Hot 100 All Time Top Artists Chart.

Always held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on the eve of the Indianapolis 500, Snakepit Ball --presented annually by Cindy and Paul Skjodt -- mixes funky Indianapolis 500-inspired black-tie attire with a party atmosphere that recalls the 1970s, when the infield at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was filled with drinking and debauchery.

To honor the tradition, ball goers -- including city leaders and the celebrities who are in town for the race -- are offered temporary tattoos, sunglasses and bandanas to add to their gowns and tuxes. Some guests attend in custom-made black and white checkered jackets.

Another tradition is the event's live music, which is always played by a famed rock band. Last year, Rick Springfield was on hand.

Foreigner's guitarist Mick Jones is no stranger to Indianapolis. He played during halftime at the 2010 AFC Championship Game between the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts in Lucas Oil Stadium.

This year's Snakepit Ball will be at 6 p.m. May 25. Tickets, which are $275 per person, are available by calling 317-614-6129

The Regions 500 Festival Snakepit Ball, presented by Cindy and Paul Skjodt, is also sponsored by The Westin Indianapolis, Business Furniture and BCforward.